Rating of
3/4
For Both Cynics and Romantics
Franz Patrick - wrote on 07/19/08
I liked the film for many reasons but there is no reason for it to be more than two hours long. Its running time actually dragged the story down and I grew increasingly restless. I thought Hilary Swank did a good job as a grieving widow. Even though I'm used to watching her play tough women (and though she looks tough in this picture as well), she has many soft moments. Or maybe I just have a soft spot for Swank because I enjoy every movie she's in. Gerard Butler did a good job as well even though every time I see him, I imagine him yelling, "This... is... Sparta!" and then I couldn't help but laugh to myself. But my favourite is Kathy Bates' character because she's the most connected with reality. Even though she may sound kind of tough at times, I agreed with everything she said, especially the bit about the "wrong-ness" of such letters from the dead that prevent Swank's character from moving on with her life. It got to the point where I thought the letters were kind of cruel even though they were written in good faith. My girl friends bought everything and cried their eyes out but I didn't. Sometimes, it was so cheesy, I just had to roll my eyes due to disbelief. Nevertheless, this is no ordinary chick flick because everything is pretty much bittersweet. I think the supporting actors are perfect: Lisa Kudrow, Gina Gershon, and James Marsters. The only thing I didn't like about this film is the romantic interest for Swank after her husband's death, played by Harry Connick Jr. I thought he was way creepy and belonged in a completely different film; his perfomance is quite jarring, actually. Still, this movie is worth checking out by cynics and romantics.
